Consumer Reports, the independent reviewer with 8 million subscribers, bought and tested three versions of the Fusion: an SE with a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, an SE hybrid and a Titanium.

The magazine said the "hybrid's powertrain is very impressive. It's slick and refined and delivers competitive acceleration. Plus, it squeezes out an eye-popping 39 mpg overall -- the best fuel economy (Consumer Reports) has measured in a midsized sedan."

But the magazine said it is "considerably less than the EPA test results of 47 mpg overall, city, and combined."

The magazine also reviewed the Ford Focus Electric and Mitsubishi's i-MiEV. It has previously been critical of the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt and EV Nissan Leaf.

"The Focus Electric builds on the great handling and refinement of the conventional Focus and adds instant, silent power and the second best fuel efficiency Consumer Reports has recorded, the equivalent of 107 mpg (or 3.18 miles per kilowatt-hour)," the magazine said.

"The Focus Electric proves that electric cars can be both super-efficient and a lot of fun to drive," said Jake Fisher, director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports.

But the magazine noted that the large lithium-ion battery pack consumes much of the cargo space and "can't escape some inherent deficiencies, including a cramped rear seat and frustrating MyFord Touch controls."

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The smaller i-MiEV has the equivalent of 111 mpg overall or 3.28 miles per kWh, making it the most energy-efficient car Consumer Reports has tested. "But in almost every other way, the i-MiEV lives up to the lowest expectations you might have of an electric car. It's slow, chintzy, cramped, and so far off the mark that testers often felt it was closer to being a glorified golf cart than an actual car," the magazine said. "While the Focus Electric costs about $41,000, compared with $33,630 for the i-MiEV, it's definitely the better choice for consumers who want to go gas free."

Both prices are before a $7,500 federal tax credit, and state incentives may apply.

EV sales have been slow overall. Ford sold fewer than 700 Focus EVs in 2012.

"The C-Max's arch-rival is the Toyota Prius V. The C-Max can't match the Prius V's 41-mpg overall fuel economy or generous interior space," the magazine said. "But the Ford is quieter and much more enjoyable to drive. Handling is agile, with quick and ideally weighted steering, and it rides very comfortably."

The Environmental Protection Agency said this month that it intends to test the mileage claims of Ford's new C-Max hybrid.